←Dominican Republic travel guide
Samana Province, Dominican Republic
Las Terrenas
A laid-back beach village on the wild Samana Peninsula
BeachesFood & DrinkScenic Views
Las Terrenas occupies a quiet stretch of the Samaná Peninsula's north coast, where calm, shallow bays and coconut palms frame a small town with a relaxed international character. The surrounding peninsula is the departure point for humpback whale-watching excursions between January and March, as well as boat trips to the forested coves of Los Haitises.
Check Dominican Republic visa requirements →
Best time to visit
December to April
Region
Samana Province
Main airport
Samana AZS (AZS)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Las Terrenas
Nature
Los Haitises National Park
Covering roughly 1,600 square kilometres along Samaná Bay in the northeast, Los Haitises is one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Caribbean, characterised by dramatic karst hills rising from the sea and the largest mangrove forest in the region. Boat excursions weave between limestone islets and into caves such as Cueva de la Línea and Cueva de San Gabriel, whose walls are decorated with Taino petroglyphs and pictographs. The park shelters a rich variety of bird species, including frigatebirds and pelicans, alongside an extensive network of tropical rainforest and coastal wetlands.
Nature
Samaná Bay Whale Watching
Each year between January and March, up to 3,000 North Atlantic humpback whales gather in the warm, sheltered waters of Samaná Bay to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves, making this one of the most important whale sanctuaries in the world. Boat tours operate daily from the town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná, bringing visitors within viewing distance of breaching and lob-tailing behaviour across a protected marine area. The first two weeks of February typically offer the highest concentrations and the most dramatic surface activity.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in the Dominican Republic. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for the Dominican Republic.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Las Terrenas
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dominican Republic
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Dominican Republic page at Yoogo.
The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and many all-inclusive resorts, while card payments are available at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is advisable to carry some local currency in pesos for markets, smaller businesses, and tips.
The Dominican Republic is generally safe in established tourist destinations such as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. Petty theft, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is the most commonly reported issue, particularly in crowded urban areas and on public beaches. Using reputable transport, keeping valuables out of sight, and staying in well-lit areas at night are sensible precautions.
Long-distance coaches operated by companies such as Caribe Tours and Metro connect major cities comfortably and at low cost. Within cities, shared minibuses called guaguas and shared taxis known as conchos cover fixed routes at very affordable fares. Uber operates in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and parts of the tourist coast, and car hire is widely available for those wishing to explore independently.
December to April is generally considered the best period to visit, as the country experiences its dry season with warm, sunny weather and lower humidity. Humpback whale watching in Samaná Bay is at its peak from January to March. The rainy season runs from May to November, coinciding with hurricane season, though travel during this period can offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
Spanish is the official language and is spoken throughout the country. In major tourist resorts and hotels, English is widely understood by staff, and French and Haitian Creole are also spoken in some areas. Learning a few basic Spanish greetings will be warmly appreciated by locals beyond the main resort zones.
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for most travellers. There is a low risk of malaria in some rural areas outside the main cities, so consult a travel health clinic before departure regarding preventive measures and any other vaccinations relevant to your itinerary. Routine vaccinations should also be up to date, and it is worth checking current NHS or government health guidance before you travel.
Tipping is customary and forms an important part of income for service workers. Many restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge on the bill, though adding a further 10 to 15% is standard practice for good service. Hotel housekeeping, porters, and tour guides also customarily receive tips, and both Dominican pesos and US dollars are accepted.